Interleukin 6 mediated activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron.

Hypertension is characterized by increased sodium (Na) reabsorption along the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron (ASDN) as well as chronic systemic inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is thought to be a mediator of this inflammatory process. Interestingly, increased Na reabsorption within the ASDN does not always correlate with increases in aldosterone (Aldo), the primary hormone that modulates Na reabsorption via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR).